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Oscar Scherer State Park

Oscar Scherer State Park
provides many recreational opportunities in a natural
park setting and is conveniently located between
Sarasota and Venice in the town of Osprey. This
page is designed to inform you of the many recreational
opportunities available and at the same time answer
specific questions regarding camping reservations,
seasonal rates, the parks' natural and cultural
history and much more. Be sure to check out the
Calendar of Events section so you can take advantage
of all the Events we conduct during the year.

Driving Directions
Oscar Scherer State Park is located on U.S.41, six
miles south of Sarasota. Heading south on I-75 take
exit 200. Heading north on I-75 take exit 195.

Park Activities

Bicycling
The park offers several marked trails with a combined
length of approximately 15 miles. Both hikers and bicyclists
share these trails. Since much of the trails consist
of fine loose "sugar sand", a mountain bike
is recommended. The trails meander through two distinct
plant communities and are a great way for visitors to
get a closer look at the "Oscar Scherer Outback".
Due to the specific use of and width of the trails,
please refrain from riding bikes on the Lester Finley
Trail and the South Creek Nature Trail. Both trails
are marked to show foot traffic only.

Campfire Circle
Campfires are allowed in the campground but only
in the "ground grill" provided. Collecting
of firewood is not allowed, however campers can
bring in their own firewood or obtain it at the
Ranger Station for a donation to the parks' Citizen
Support Organization the Friends of Oscar Scherer
Park, Inc., whose members work at keeping firewood
available. The donations are used to help support
the park through special projects and improvements
to park facilities. Campfires may be banned during
extremely dry weather conditions. Please, never
leave campfires unattended and extinguish them completely
with water before vacating the site.

Canoeing
Canoeing South Creek is one of the more popular
recreational activities available at the park. Visitors
can launch their own canoe or kayak or rent a canoe
from the Ranger Station. The Creek begins north
of the park and is formed by rainfall and freshwater
run-off and eventually flows into the Gulf of Mexico.
The creek fluctuates with the incoming tide and
is brackish (a mixture of fresh and salt water).
Mangrove trees, Giant Leather Fern, and Cabbage
Palms are a few of the plant species that can be
seen growing along the edge of the creek. Wading
birds such as the Great Blue Heron and Little Blue
Heron can be seen feeding in the water while Ospreys
soar overhead. Occasionally alligators and otters
can be seen taking advantage of the creeks' diverse
habitat. Ranger led canoe programs are available
every Wednesday.

Fishing
Both freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities
are available at the park. Lake Osprey is a 3-acre
freshwater lake providing anglers with the opportunity
to catch bream, bluegill, largemouth bass and channel
catfish. The lake is stocked with catfish as part
of the urban fisheries program sponsored by the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
South Creek provides an opportunity to catch saltwater
species. A fishing dock located off of the Lester
Finley Trail is a great place to fish. A fishing
license is required for persons over the age of
15, and can be purchased at the Sarasota County
Tax Collectors Office in Osprey.

Full Facility Camping
Oscar Scherer State Park Full Facility Camping Oscar
Scherer State Park is a Seasonal Camping Park. Campsites
are available for tent or RV camping with complete
hook-ups for electric and water. Reservations may
be made up to eleven months in advance. One night’s
camping fee deposit will be required (credit card
only – must be canceled within 24 hours of check-in
time for refund)

Group Camping
A separate camp area is available for organized youth
and adult groups. Tents only. No pets allowed. Amenities
include pavilion, campfire circle, restroom, and cold
water shower. No electric service available. Limited
to 60 people. For reservations call the parks Ranger
Station as Group Camp reservations are not yet made
through Reserve America.

Interpretive Programs
Be sure to visit the Interpretive Nature Center located
in front of scenic Lake Osprey. The Center showcases
the parks scrubby flatwoods. Home of the Florida Scrub
Jay, Gopher Tortoise, and Eastern Indigo Snake. Dioramas,
Videos, Displays and Touch Table enlighten the senses
and help visitors learn more about the park. Open
most days from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. To find out
if the center will be open during your visit call
the Ranger Station at (941) 483-5956.

Nature Trails
Six marked hiking trails provide visitors an opportunity
to explore various remote portions of the park. Numbered
benches conveniently placed along the trails provide
resting spots and, since the numbers correspond with
numbers on the trail map, visitors can determine their
exact location on the trail. Keep in mind that there
are no restrooms or shelters on the trail. You may
want to wear good hiking shoes, bring drinking water,
wear a hat, and use sunscreen and insect repellant.
Make sure to request a trail map when entering the
park. For information on what you might see along
the trail, be sure to check out the Resources and
Endangered Habitats section.

Pavilion
There are pavilions located in the park that can be
rented for picnics, meeting, reunions, weddings, etc.

Picnicking
The South Creek Picnic Area and Lake Osprey Picnic
Area each provide visitors with picnic tables, charcoal
grills, pavilions, and a playground. South Creek Picnic
area has a restroom, small pavilion and a canoe launch.
Lake Osprey Picnic Area has a bathhouse, two pavilions,
and a Nature Center located next to Lake Osprey. The
pavilions and Nature Center are each available for
rental. The Nature Center is equipped with a kitchen,
folding tables, chairs, and a sound system. It also
includes several exhibits about the parks various
plants and animals. It is a great location for weddings,
family reunions or business meetings. Please Contact
the Ranger Station for additional information, reservations
and current rental rates.

Showers
Each of the five bathhouses in the Family Campground
are equipped with restrooms and hot water showers,
and are for registered campers only. Non-campers
may also use these showers, however they must register
at the Ranger Station and pay an additional fee.
At the Lake Osprey Picnic Area, a bathhouse with
inside coldwater showers is available to all visitors.
Pets (other than service animals) are not permitted
in any of the restroom facilities.

Swimming
Lake Osprey is a perfect place to cool off during
the hot summer days. This 3-acre freshwater lake
is located at the Lake Osprey Picnic Area. The lake
is also open for fishing, however no fishing is
permitted in the designated roped off swimming area.
The lake has a sandy beachfront and is also equipped
with a floating swim dock.

Wildlife Viewing
The Park is well known for it's population of Florida
Scrub-Jays which can be found throughout the parks
Scrubby Flatwoods Plant Community. Other Species
of wildlife including Bobcats, Bald Eagles, Gopher
Tortoises, White-tailed Deer, Eastern Cotton-tail
Rabbits, Raccoons and American Alligators can be
seen at times in different areas of the park. Be
sure to pick up an animal list and hiking trail
map upon entering the park and ask a Park Ranger
for more information on wildlife observation. Please
Remember that all animals are protected and it is
un-lawful to harm, harrass or feed them.